Winter 2018 - MARE

S

pecial Edition

A spotlight on children waiting for permanent

and loving familiesWinter 2018

Inside:Samariya’s noble dream to help other youth, Page 4.

Terri’s dream career will take her places, Page 8.

Why Tyquan is wise beyond his years. 3.

2 Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange Winter 2018

www.mare.org · 800-589-6273

Welcome to the Winter 2018 Recruitment Periodical, published by the Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE). Over the next several pages, you will be introduced to some of the youth in Michigan who are waiting to have a loving, supportive and permanent family of their own through adoption. The children featured here represent hundreds of other children in the Michigan foster care system who are waiting to become part of a loving family through adoption. To learn more about these children and adoption, visit www.mare.org.

On the MARE website, you will find photos, narratives and video clips of children waiting to be adopted, as well as a wealth of information about adoption, including links to adoption-related resources.

If you have been thinking about adoption, we invite you to consider bringing an older child or sibling group into your life. If you have questions about adoption or are ready to begin the adoption process, simply call one of the agencies listed in the back of this periodical or contact an adoption navigator at 800-589-6273. MARE is available to answer your adoption-related questions, and we will do our best to get you headed in the right direction.

Photo byHannah Dunne

Miriah C09319Miriah’s likes:• Playing house and playing with Barbies with her friends.• Reading the Baby-Sitters Club book series.• Watching the movie “Monster House.”

Qualities of a forever family:• A mom and dad who can give her the one-on-one attention she needs.• Knowledge of the impact of trauma on a child.

“I’m friendly and I like being around people.”

The Michigan Heart Gallery Grand Opening is a great event that you won’t want to miss. It is scheduled for Saturday, April 28, 2018, at the Emagine Theatre in Royal Oak. The show features the unveiling of this year’s Michigan Heart Gallery, a traveling photographic exhibit featuring photos of youth currently in the foster care system waiting for their forever family throug adoption.

The festivities also include food and refreshments and a red carpet where many

waiting youth will walk and get their pictures taken. This year’s Michigan Heart Gallery Grand Opening includes a special feature film that we’re sure you’ll love.So, mark your calendars, and come join us for

this truly remarkable event. Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates.

J o i n u s a t t h e M i c h i g a n H e a r t G a l l e r y G r a n d O p e n i n g

Save the date: Saturday, April 28, 2018

Winter 2018 Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange 3

800-589-6273 · www.mare.org

Who are the children who wait for adoption?Adopting a child from foster care is often referred to as “special needs” adoption. Common traits of children waiting to be adopted from foster care include:

• Children school aged and above.• Children with emotional, mental, learning or physical impairments.• Children of minority backgrounds.• Children who are part of a sibling group who must be placed together.

Many of these children have had traumatic past experiences that may include physical, sexual or emotional abuse and/or severe neglect. Others may have been born drug or alcohol exposed.

Around 93 percent of children in Michigan’s foster care system are adopted by the child’s current foster family or a relative (someone with whom the child has an established relationship). The remaining children available for adoption, like those in this periodical and on the MARE website, don’t have an identified family to adopt them. Recruitment of a suitable adoptive family is, therefore, necessary.

More than 98 percent of the children available for adoption without an identified family are over the age of 5. More than 75 percent of those children are between the ages of 11 and 18.

Who can adopt a “waiting” child?Many people may be surprised to learn that they do not have to be married in order to adopt a child from the foster care system. Potential adoptive parents do not have to own their own home or have a lot of money. They must have enough space in their home and adequate income to support a child. It is important to know that many children waiting for adoption are eligible to receive adoption assistance to help adoptive families meet the children’s needs.

How much does it cost to adopt a child from foster care?The only costs you should incur from adopting a child from Michigan’s foster care system are court filing and birth certificate fees. Some agencies may charge a fee for the Family Assessment (also known as a Home Study); however, once you adopt a child through Michigan’s foster care system, that fee is reimbursed to you.

What is the adoption process? Families must be approved through the Adoptive Family Assessment process before a child can be placed in their home for adoption. An Adoptive Family Assessment must be completed by a licensed adoption agency (which can be found in the back of this periodical and on www.mare.org) and can take an average of six months to complete. The Adoptive Family Assessment includes, but is not limited to, the following components:

• Personal history.• Health statements.• Criminal background check.• Income statement.• Personal references.

Once the Adoptive Family Assessment is complete, you may start submitting inquiries to MARE about children you may be interested in adopting. When you inquire about children through the MARE website, your information will be sent by MARE to the child’s adoption worker for consideration. Your worker will also be notified that you have inquired about a specific child or children.

Daniel C08521

Daniel’s likes:• Playing basketball and football.• Swimming, riding bikes and going to the park.

Qualities of a forever family:• Two experienced parents who have knowledge of the impact of trauma on a child.• Strong advocates for the services that will help Daniel thrive.


Samariya C08993

Samariya’s likes:• Sharing a laugh with others.• Participating in soccer, basketball and cross country. • Watching movies, going to the mall and playing games. • Playing with dolls.• Spending time with friends.• Attending math and science classes.

Samariya’s crystal ball:• Wants to become a lawyer.• Traveling to Florida and Hawaii to surf.

Qualities of a forever family:• Two parents or a single-female parent with a strong support network. • Knowledgeable of the impact of trauma on a child. • Youngest or only child in the home.• Strong advocates for the services that will benefit Samariya.

Did you know?MARE has a valuable resource for new adoptive families at mare.org. Click on For Families > New To Adoption. You’ll find information about the adoption process such as how to get started and find support along the way. You can find licensed agencies in your area and information about the children listed at mare.org. If you have questions, call 800-589-6273.

Photo byLoren Sanders

“I’m kind and I help around the house.”

“I’ve been through a lot, so I want to do some good

for other kids.”


“I am able to pick up tasks quickly.”


Brendon C09290

Brendon’s likes:• Taking things apart and putting them back together.• Working on cars and in the woodshop.• Going to work and munching on pizza when he gets home.• Collecting Hot Wheels cars. • Shopping or going to the movies on the weekends.

Brendon’s crystal ball:• Hopes to become a welder or auto mechanic.

• Wants to get his driver’s license and buy a Ford Raptor to go traveling.• Hopes to visit Tennessee because “I’ve been there before, and it’s beautiful.”

Qualities of a forever family:• Prefers to have a mom and dad. • The only or youngest child.• Knowledge of the impact of trauma on a child.• Strong advocates for the services that will help him thrive.• Open to letting Brendon maintain contact with his sister.


Jorge C09304


“I’m smart, friendly, helpful and respectful.”

Jorge’s likes:• Watching Marvel superhero movies. • Anything with Adam Sandler in it.• Listening to music, particularly heavy metal, rock, rap and alternative music.• Solving puzzles such as Sudoku.• Attending science class.• Doing well in school.

Jorge’s crystal ball:• Wants to become a chemical engineer or forensic scientist.

Qualities of a forever family:• A single mother or a mom and dad.• Would thrive with a male role model.• The only or youngest child.• Willing to advocate for any services that would benefit Jorge.


Tichelle C09312

Tichelle’s likes:• Singing and dancing.• Going to science class.• Filling up on pizza and mac ’n cheese.

Tichelle’s crystal ball:• Looks forward to having fun, talking and dancing with a future forever family.

Qualities of a forever family:• A single mom who is patient and experienced.• Knowledge of the impact of trauma on a child.• Strong advocate for the services that will help Tichelle function at her best.• Open to letting Tichelle maintain her sibling relationships.

“Tichelle is a fun and loving girl.”

“The one thing she wants is someone who’s going to love her and take care of her.”


Tichelle’s worker


Terri C08968

Helping families stay togetherMARE’s Match Support Program is a statewide service for families who have been matched with a child from the MARE website and are in the process of moving forward with an adoption. Match support specialists deliver up to 90 days of services to families by providing them support before and during the child’s transition into the home with referrals to support groups, educational training opportunities and other recommendations to helpful community resources. For more information, contact MARE at 800-589-6273.

Terri’s likes:• Eating pasta and ice cream.• Taking walks, playing games, riding bikes and listening to music. • Going to church.

Terri’s crystal ball:• Wishes to travel to Ireland to explore her Irish heritage.• Wants to become a professional traveler.

• Looks forward to becoming part of a family who likes laughing, hiking, taking trips and watching movies.

Qualities of a forever family:• Two experienced parents who will make sure that she receives the services she needs.• Patient and caring as Terri processes her past and settles into her new family.

Photo byxxxxx xxxx xx



Deavonte C09306

Deavonte’s likes:• Playing football and basketball and watching sports on TV.• Eating pizza and sweets.

Deavonte’s crystal ball:• Wants to become a pro football player or a doctor. • Dreams of traveling to Honduras to sample its cuisine.

Qualities of a forever family:• Two parents or a single parent with a strong support network.• Strong advocates for the services that will help Deavonte excel.• Only or youngest child in the family.

Photos byHannah Dunne

“I like to read; I like sports books.”

“My favorite sports teams are the Seattle Seahawks

and the Detroit Lions.”

“I’m smart, caring and athletic. ”

“My favorite subject in school is math because I’m really

good at it.”


Nikkoley C09292

Nikkoley’s likes:• Munching on nachos, Mexican foods, teriyaki chicken and broccoli cheddar soup. • Participating in tennis during and after school • Swimming, riding bikes, playing video games, going on walks and listening to music. • Celebrating holidays by being around family and friends.• Sleeping in on weekends and enjoying a good breakfast once he awakens.

Qualities of a forever family:• A single mother or two parents.• Willing to advocate for the services that will help Nikkoley.

• Able to provide the structure that Nikkoley thrives on.

“I like music because it keeps me positive.”

“I want a family who loves

music, too.”



Hannah C09392

Hannah’s likes:• Singing and writing poetry.• Painting, photography and doing crafts.• Listening to music and reading romance and mystery novels.

Qualities of a forever family:• Two experienced parents. • Knowledge of the impact of trauma on a child.• Fierce advocates for the services that will help Hannah function at her best.• The youngest child.


“Hannah is a very bright young lady with an

outgoing personality.”

“Hannah utilizes music, reading and writing when she

feels sad.”

“Hannah has a grateful heart.”

Hannah’s worker


Sophia C09288

Check out the MARE YouTube Channel to see videos of several of the children featured in the Winter 2018 Periodical at www.youtube.com/VideosbyMare.

Sophia’s likes:• Playing sports, especially basketball. • Helping others.

Intangible assets:• Funny and outgoing girl who enjoys spending time with others.• Accountable for her actions.

Sophia’s crystal ball:• Wants to learn more about all sports.

Qualities of a forever family:• A mom and dad or single-female parent who can provide the love and attention she needs.• Knowledge of the impact of trauma on a child.

“She wants to be loved and respected

by whoever adopts her.”Sophia’s worker



Tyquan C08940

Tyquan’s likes:• Playing basketball and football. • Exercising.• Following the Detroit Lions.• Watching Tom and Jerry.

Tyquan’s crystal ball:• Wants to become a police officer or firefighter so he can help people.

Qualities of a forever family:• Two experienced parents who can give him one-on-one attention. • Only child in the home. • Ability to provide structure and set appropriate expectations.

“I’m just an ordinary kid; I like to sing and all that kind of stuff.”


“They keep telling me I’m not a kid. I’m just a grown man in

a kid’s body.”

“I am who I am; nobody can change that.”

“Have a blessed day, and go to mare.org

to find me and other kids who need

a home.”


Adoption Agency Directory · www.mare.org · 800-589-6273

Visit www.mare.org for a complete listing of agencies who license families for foster care, in addition to adoption homestudies, including your Michigan Department of Health and Human Services county office. Adoption Agencies in MichiganThe following is a list of adoption agencies whose primary focus is facilitating the adoption of children from the foster care system. Many of these agencies may also provide foster care services. This agency list is organized by regions of the state. Please contact an agency in your area if you are interested in beginning the adoption process. For an interactive map of statewide licensed agencies, visit: http://www.mare.org/For-Families/New-to-Adoption/Find-a-Licensed-Agency

Upper PeninsulaCatholic Social Services of the U.P., Escanaba, 906-786-7212, www.cssup.orgCatholic Social Services of the U.P., Iron Mountain, 906-774-3323, www.cssup.orgCatholic Social Services of the U.P., Marquette, 906-227-9119, www.cssup.orgChild & Family Services of the U.P., Marquette, 906-228-4050, www.cfsup.orgLutheran Social Services of Wisconsin & Upper MI, Marquette, 877-994-8344, www.lsswis.orgSault Tribe Binogii Placement Agency, Sault Ste. Marie, 906-632-5250, www.saulttribe.comTeaching Family Homes of Upper Michigan, Marquette, 906-249-5437, www.teachingfamilyhomes.orgUpper Peninsula Family Solutions, Marquette, 906-273-1095, www.upfs.orgU.P. Kids, Houghton, 906-487-9832, www.upkids.com

Northern & Central Lower MichiganAdoption Option Inc., Midland, 989-839-0534, www.adoptionoptioninc.orgBethany Christian Services, Fremont, 231-924-3390, www.bethany.org/fremontBethany Christian Services, Traverse City, 231-995-0870, www.bethany.org/traversecityCatholic Family Services of the Diocese of Saginaw, Bay City, 989-797-6638, www.cfssite.orgChild & Family Services of Northeast MI, Alpena, 989-356-4567, www.cfsnemi.orgChild & Family Services of Northwest MI, Traverse City, 231-946-8975, www.cfsnwmi.orgEagle Village, Hersey, 231-832-2234, www.eaglevillage.orgLutheran Adoption Service, Bay City, 989-686-3170, www.lasadoption.orgLutheran Adoption Service, Clare, 989-386-2101, www.lasadoption.orgNew Light Child & Family Institute, Millington, 989-871-6695, www.newlightonline.net

Tri-County Area (Wayne, Oakland & Macomb Counties)Bethany Christian Services, Madison Heights, 248-414-4080, www.bethany.org/madisonheightsCatholic Charities of S.E. Michigan, 855-882-2736, www.ccsem.orgCommunity Social Services of Wayne County, Detroit, 313-883-2100, www.csswayne.orgChild Safe Michigan, Royal Oak, 248-353-0921, www.childsafemichigan.org/The Children’s Center of Wayne County, Detroit, 313-831-5535, www.thechildrenscenter.comEnnis Center for Children, Detroit, 313-342-2699, www.enniscenter.orgEnnis Center for Children, Pontiac, 248-334-2715, www.enniscenter.orgFamily & Community Services, Inc., Utica, 586-726-2988, www.facadopt.orgForever Families, Livonia, 734-762-0909, www.forever -families.orgHomes for Black Children, Detroit, 313-961-4777Judson Center, Redford, 313-794-5653, www.judsoncenter.orgLutheran Adoption Service, Troy, 248-423-2770, www.lasadoption.orgMethodist Children’s Home, Redford, 313-531-4060, www.mchsmi.orgOakland Family Services, Pontiac, 248-858-7766, www.oaklandfamilyservices.orgOrchards Children’s Services, Southfield, 248-258-0440, www.orchards.orgSpaulding for Children, Southfield, 248-443-0300, www.spaulding.orgSpectrum Human Services, Southfield, 248-552-8020, www.spectrumhuman.orgVista Maria, Dearborn Heights, 313-271-3050, www.vistamaria.orgWolverine Human Services, Taylor, 888-625-8669, www.wolverinehs.org

AdoptionN a v i g a t r s


800-589-6273 · www.mare.org · Adoption Agency Directory

MARE is proud to offer the Adoption Navigator Program. Adoption navigators are experienced adoptive parents who offer guidance and personal knowledge to potential adoptive families. The adoption navigators have many years of parenting experience, adopted a number of children, and have knowledge of foster care, infant and older, and domestic and international adoption procedures.

Families who contact MARE for initial adoption information will be given the option to work with a Navigator to help guide them through the process. Having an Adoption Navigator is a free and voluntary service.

Southern Central MichiganAdoption and Foster Care Specialists, Inc., Lapeer, 810-660-7590, www.adoption -specialists.orgBethany Christian Services, East Lansing, 517-336-0191, www.bethany.org/eastlansingCatholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale counties, Adrian, 517-263-2191, www.catholiccharitiesjlhc.orgCatholic Charities of Shiawassee & Genesee, Flint, 810-232-9950, www.catholiccharitiesflint.orgCatholic Social Services of Washtenaw, Ann Arbor, 734-971-9781, www.csswashtenaw.orgChild & Family Charities – Capital Area, Lansing, 517-882-4000, www.childandfamily.orgEnnis Center for Children, Flint, 810-233-4031, www.enniscenter.orgEnnis Center for Children, Port Huron, 810-990-1424, www.enniscenter.orgFamily Service & Children’s Aid, Jackson, 517-787-7920, www.strong- families.orgFostering Futures, Ann Arbor, 734-481-8999, www.fostering- futures.comFostering Solutions, Adrian, 517-263-0020, www.fosteringsolutions.orgGrowing Hope Through Love, Howell, 517-798-4020Hands Across the Water, Ann Arbor, 734-477-0135, www.hatw.orgLivingston County Catholic Charities, Howell, 517-545-5944, www.livingstoncatholiccharities.orgLutheran Adoption Service, Ann Arbor, 734-971-1944, www.lasadoption.orgLutheran Adoption Service, Jackson, 517-789-6444, www.lasadoption.orgLutheran Adoption Service, Lansing, 517-886-1380, www.lasadoption.orgOpen Door Adoption Services, Jackson, 517-936-7713, www.opendooradoptionservices.orgSt. Vincent Catholic Charities, Lansing, 517-323-4734, www.stvcc.org

Southwest MichiganBethany Christian Services, Grand Rapids, 616-224-7550, www.bethany.org/grandrapidsBethany Christian Services, Holland, 616-396-0623, www.bethany.org/hollandBethany Christian Services, Kalamazoo, 269-372-8800, www.bethany.org/kalamazooBethany Christian Services, Muskegon, 231-733-1618, www.bethany.org/muskegonCatholic Charities–West MI, Grand Rapids, 616-456-1443, www.ccwestmi.orgCatholic Charities–West MI, Muskegon, 231-726-4735, www.ccwestmi.orgD.A. Blodgett Services, Grand Rapids, 616-451-2021, www.dabsj.orgFamily & Children’s Services, Inc., Kalamazoo, 269-344-0202, www.fcsource.orgFamily & Children’s Services, Inc., Battle Creek, 269-965-3247, www.fcsource.orgLutheran Adoption Service, Grand Rapids, 616-356-1934, www.lasadoption.orgLutheran Adoption Service, Kalamazoo, 269-345-5776, www.lasadoption.orgPathways, Holland, 616-396-2301, www.pathwaysmi.orgYouth Guidance Foster Care & Adoption Center, Battle Creek, 269-969-9181, www.citylinc.org

8 0 0.589.6273www.mare.org

HOMESFOR CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE

Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange3840 Packard Rd., Suite 170

Ann Arbor, MI 48108

The Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange is a program of Judson Center and is funded by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

@MichiganAdoptionResourceExchange

@MAREinMichigan

@VideosbyMARE

@MAREAdoption

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Winter 2018 - MARE

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